Truck Cap

ABSTRACT

An illustrative embodiment of a truck cap that sits on opposing sidewalls and over the top of a cargo box of a pickup truck is provided. The truck cap has a cap body with an opening. A cap door that is movable between open and closed positions with respect to the opening of the cap body. At least one truck cap door hinge that attaches to the cap body and the cap door of the truck cap. The truck cap door hinge includes a first hinge bracket member and a second hinge bracket member. The first hinge bracket member includes a hinge bracket to receive the pivot pin. Likewise, the second hinge bracket member includes a hinge bracket with an opening sized to receive at least a portion of the pivot pin. The first hinge bracket member and the second hinge bracket member are pivotable with respect to each other about the pivot pin. And a longitudinally extending gas prop pivotably attached to the pin extending from the second angled portion of the first hinge bracket member and to the pin of the second hinge bracket member.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application relates to and claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 62/930,428, filed on Nov. 4,2019. The subject matter disclosed in that provisional application ishereby expressly incorporated into the present application.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to trucks such as pickup trucks, andtruck beds used on pickup trucks and like vehicles, and, in particular,a truck bed cap with improved features and design.

A truck bed cap is an enclosure that attaches to the top sidewalls of apickup truck's cargo box or truck bed. The truck cap includes upwardextending side and forward walls, and a door typically positioned at therearward end above the truck bed's tailgate (although the door can beplaced anywhere on the cap). Typically, the upward extending wallsterminate at the approximate height of the pickup truck's cab sectionroof. This configuration enhances the pickup truck's aestheticappearance similar to a sport utility vehicle (SUV). Embodiments of atruck cap are shown and described in US Patent Publication No.2020/0130485, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

An illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides a truckcap that sits on opposing sidewalls and over the top of a cargo box of apickup truck. The truck cap comprises: a cap body having an opening; acap door that is movable between open and closed positions with respectto the opening of the cap body; at least one truck cap door hinge thatattaches to the cap body and the cap door of the truck cap; wherein theat least one truck cap door hinge includes: a first hinge bracket memberand a second hinge bracket member; the first hinge bracket member isbent at an obtuse angle to form first and second angled portionsseparated by a vertex there between; the first angled portion of thefirst hinge bracket member includes a hinge bracket located at aposition opposite the vertex; at least one pivot pin; the hinge bracketof the first angled portion includes at least one opening sized toreceive at least a portion of the at least one pivot pin; the secondangled portion of the first hinge bracket member includes a flange thatextends substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the at leastone pivot pin; the flange of the second angled portion includes a pinextending therefrom; the second hinge bracket member includes spacedapart first and second sidewalls each of which extends substantiallytransverse to the longitudinal axis of the at least one pivot pin; thesecond hinge bracket member includes a first pin located on the firstsidewall of the second hinge bracket member and directed toward thesecond sidewall of the second hinge bracket member; the second hingebracket member includes a second pin located on the second sidewall ofthe second hinge bracket member and directed toward the first sidewallof the second hinge bracket member; the second hinge bracket memberincludes a hinge bracket located adjacent an end of the second hingebracket member; the hinge bracket of the second hinge bracket memberincludes at least one opening sized to receive at least a portion of theat least one pivot pin; at least a portion of the hinge bracket of thefirst hinge bracket member is located adjacent at least a portion of thehinge bracket of the second hinge bracket member such that the firsthinge bracket member and the second hinge bracket member are pivotablewith respect to each other about the at least one pivot pin; and alongitudinally extending gas prop pivotably attached to the first andsecond pins of the second hinge bracket member and pivotably attached tothe pin on the flange of the second angled portion of the first hingebracket member; the longitudinally extending gas prop is extendableapproximately parallel to at least a portion of the first angled portionof the first hinge bracket member.

Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides atruck cap that sits on opposing sidewalls and over the top of a cargobox of a pickup truck. The truck cap comprises: a cap body having anopening; a cap door that is movable between open and closed positionswith respect to the opening of the cap body; at least one truck cap doorhinge that attaches to the cap body and the cap door of the truck cap;wherein the at least one truck cap door hinge includes: a first hingebracket member and a second hinge bracket member; the first hingebracket member is bent at an obtuse angle to form first and secondangled portions separated by a vertex there between; the first angledportion of the first hinge bracket member includes a hinge bracket; atleast one pivot pin; the hinge bracket of the first angled portionincludes at least one opening sized to receive at least a portion of theat least one pivot pin; the first hinge bracket member includes a pinextending from the second angled portion; the second hinge bracketmember includes at least one pin; the second hinge bracket memberincludes a hinge bracket; the hinge bracket of the second hinge bracketmember includes at least one opening sized to receive at least a portionof the at least one pivot pin; the first hinge bracket member and thesecond hinge bracket member are pivotable with respect to each otherabout the at least one pivot pin; and a longitudinally extending gasprop pivotably attached to the pin extending from the second angledportion of the first hinge bracket member and to the at least one pin ofthe second hinge bracket member.

In the above and other embodiments, the at least one truck cap doorhinge of the truck cap may further comprise: the hinge bracket of thefirst angled portion of the first hinge bracket member is located at aposition opposite the vertex; the second angled portion of the firsthinge bracket member includes a flange that extends substantiallytransverse to a longitudinal axis of the at least one pivot pin; the pinextends from the flange of the second angled portion; the second hingebracket member has spaced apart first and second sidewalls, each ofwhich extends substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of theat least one pivot pin; the at least one pin of the second hinge bracketmember is located on the first sidewall of the second hinge bracketmember and directed toward the second sidewall of the second hingebracket member; the second hinge bracket member having a second pinlocated on the second sidewall of the second hinge bracket member anddirected toward the first sidewall of the second hinge bracket member;the hinge bracket of the second hinge bracket member is located adjacentto an end of the second hinge bracket member; at least a portion of thehinge bracket of the first hinge bracket member is located adjacent toat least a portion of the hinge bracket of the second hinge bracketmember; the longitudinally extending gas prop is pivotably attached tothe at least one pin and the second pin of the second hinge bracketmember and pivotably attached to the pin that extends from the flange ofthe second angled portion of the first hinge bracket member; and thelongitudinally extending gas prop is extendable approximately parallelto at least a portion of the first angled portion of the first hingebracket member.

Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides atruck cap that sits on opposing sidewalls and over the top of a cargobox of a pickup truck. The truck cap comprises: a cap body having anopening; a cap door that is movable between open and closed positionswith respect to the opening of the cap body; at least one truck cap doorhinge that attaches to the cap body and the cap door of the truck cap;wherein the at least one truck cap door hinge includes: a first hingebracket member and a second hinge bracket member; the first hingebracket member includes a hinge bracket; at least one pivot pin; thehinge bracket of the first hinge bracket member includes at least oneopening sized to receive at least a portion of the at least one pivotpin; the first hinge bracket member includes a pin extending there from;the second hinge bracket member includes at least one pin; the secondhinge bracket member includes a hinge bracket; the hinge bracket of thesecond hinge bracket member includes at least one opening sized toreceive at least a portion of the at least one pivot pin; the firsthinge bracket member and the second hinge bracket member are pivotablewith respect to each other about the at least one pivot pin; and alongitudinally extending gas prop pivotably attached to the pinextending from the second angled portion of the first hinge bracketmember and to the at least one pin of the second hinge bracket member.

In the above and other embodiments, the at least one truck cap doorhinge of the truck cap may further comprise: the first hinge bracketmember is bent at an obtuse angle to form first and second angledportions separated by a vertex there between; the hinge bracket islocated on the first angled portion of the first hinge bracket member;the hinge bracket of the first angled portion of the first hinge bracketmember is located at a position opposite the vertex; the hinge bracketof the first angled portion includes the at least one opening sized toreceive the at least the portion of the at least one pivot pin; thefirst hinge bracket member includes the pin extending from the secondangled portion; and the longitudinally extending gas prop is extendableapproximately parallel to at least a portion of the first angled portionof the first hinge bracket member.

Additional features and advantages of the truck bed cap features willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of thefollowing detailed descriptions of carrying out the truck bed capfeatures as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The concepts described in the present disclosure are illustrated by wayof example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. Forsimplicity, and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in thefigures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensionsof some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements forclarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels may berepeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogouselements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a truck cap;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the truck cap;

FIG. 3 is a left side elevational view of the truck cap;

FIG. 4 is a right side elevational view of the truck cap;

FIG. 5 is another left side elevational view of the truck cap with thedoor located in an open position;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the truck cap with the door locatedin the open position;

FIG. 7 is another rear perspective view of the truck cap with the doorlocated in the open position;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the truck cap with the door located in the openposition;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the truck cap with the door removed;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the truck cap with the doorremoved;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the truck cap with the doorremoved;

FIG. 12A is a front perspective view of a truck cap door hinge;

FIG. 12B is a rear perspective view of the truck cap door hinge;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the truck cap door hinge in a foldedposition;

FIG. 13B is a top perspective view of the truck cap door hinge in thefolded position;

FIG. 13C is a top view of the truck cap door hinge in the foldedposition;

FIG. 13D is a rear view of the truck cap door hinge in the foldedposition;

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the truck cap door hinge in anunfolded position;

FIG. 14B is a top perspective view of the truck cap door hinge in theunfolded position;

FIG. 14C is a top view of the truck cap door hinge in the unfoldedposition;

FIG. 14D is a rear view of the truck cap door hinge in the unfoldedposition;

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the truck cap with a video monitorlowered from the truck cap to its use position;

FIG. 16 is a rear view of the truck cap with the video monitor loweredfrom the truck cap to its use position;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the truck cap with the video monitor loweredfrom the truck cap to its use position;

FIG. 18 is an underside view of the truck cap with a video screen mountassembly lowered from the truck cap to its use position;

FIG. 19 is another underside view of the truck cap with the video screenmount assembly raised to its stowed position;

FIG. 20 is another underside view of the truck cap with the video screenmount assembly spaced apart from the truck cap;

FIG. 21 is another underside view of the truck cap with the audio systemspaced apart from the truck cap;

FIG. 22 is an isolated perspective view of the video screen mountassembly configured in its use position;

FIG. 23 is an isolated perspective view of the video screen mountassembly configured in its stowed position; and

FIG. 24 is a n exploded perspective view of the audio system.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplification set out hereinillustrates embodiments of the truck bed cap features, and suchexemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of thetruck bed cap features in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures and descriptions provided herein may have been simplified toillustrate aspects that are relevant for a clear understanding of theherein described devices, systems, and methods, while eliminating, forthe purpose of clarity, other aspects that may be found in typicaldevices, systems, and methods. Those of ordinary skill may recognizethat other elements and/or operations may be desirable and/or necessaryto implement the devices, systems, and methods described herein. Becausesuch elements and operations are well known in the art, and because theydo not facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure, adiscussion of such elements and operations may not be provided herein.However, the present disclosure is deemed to inherently include all suchelements, variations, and modifications to the described aspects thatwould be known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

An embodiment of the present disclosure includes a new truck bed capdesign that includes a resin transfer molded (RTM) rear door. The newdoor assembly is a one-piece-looking door. This design takes the spoilerand the door skirt and combines them into a singular piece that can beused in combination with additional hardware to create the rear door.The RTM process includes a vacuum to pull the resin material into aclosed mold cavity, the material then bonds with the fiberglass fibersand pads that are in there to create a solid door with a class A surfaceon both sides. The fiberglass shell itself was designed so it isessentially in line or flush with the outside surface of the glass toget a wraparound look. And then with a dual painting process a fullglass look is created. The RTM rear door combines the spoiler and thedoor skirt with connecting materials so that it is built to look likeone solid piece. Fasteners may be bonded to the glass. This allowsremoval of a couple of different bolts and the glass can be repaired orreplaced if needed enhancing serviceability. There is no high-visibleexterior hardware—no handles, no locks, no hinges—showing.Illustratively, there may be a small plastic cap that can be moved toreveal a mechanical lock underneath for manual operation.

A perspective view of truck cap 2 is shown in FIG. 1. Truck cap 2includes downward depending sidewalls 4 and 6 and a door 8illustratively located at the rear end of truck cap 2. Pillars 10 and 12bound the sides of door 8. A spoiler section 14, which includes anillustrative back brake light 16 occupies the upper portion of door 8.Also according to this illustrative embodiment, depressions 18 and 20are shown located at seam 22 between top portion 24 of spoiler section14 and roof panel 26 of truck cap 2. At the lower end of door 8 is doorskirt 28 adjacent to window portion 30 of door 8.

Part of each of sidewalls 4 and 6 are cap windows 32 and 34 (see, FIG.3). In this illustrative embodiment, cap windows 32 and 34 occupy asubstantial portion of sidewalls 4 and 6, respectively.

A front perspective view of truck cap 2 is shown in FIG. 2. This viewsimilarly shows door 8 having spoiler section 14 on top, and depressions18 and 20 at seam 22. Pillar 10 and front wall 36 of sidewall 4 are alsoshown. A distinction between views is front wall 36 located at theforward end of truck cap 2 shown in FIG. 2. Front window 38 is shownoccupying a substantial portion of front wall 36.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are left side and right side elevational views of truckcap 2, respectively. These views show sidewalls 4 and 6 with cap windows32 and 34, respectively. Depending from roof panel 26 are pillars 10 and12 shown upwardly extending between each of cap windows 32, 34, and door8. Spoiler section 14 extends outwardly at the upper portion of door 8.Door skirt 28 is located at the lower periphery of door 8 oppositespoiler section 14. In this illustrative embodiment, seam 22 is shownextending not only between roof panel 26 and spoiler section 14, butalso between cap windows 32 and 34 and corresponding pillars 10 and 12.

Side elevational, left perspective, and right perspective views of truckcap 2 with door 8 pivoted upwardly in its open position are shown inFIGS. 5, 6, and 7. As appreciated by these views, the majority of door 8is composed of window portion 30 bounded at the top by spoiler section14 and at the bottom by door skirt 28. Hinges 40 and 42 (see, also,FIGS. 12A and 12B) are located adjacent to pillars 10 and 12,respectively, and are recessed back toward seam 22 (see, also, FIG. 9).Further shown in these views are back brake light 16, cap windows 32 and34 of sidewalls 4 and 6, respectively, and roof panel 26.

A rear view of truck cap 2 with door 8 extended upward in its openposition (like that shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7) are also shown in FIG.8. Cap opening 15 is revealed when cap door 8 is open. This view alsoshows door skirt 28 affixed to window portion 30, which is attached tospoiler section 14. This view also shows pillars 10 and 12 extendingupwardly at the rear periphery of truck cap 2.

Another rear view of truck cap 2 but this time with door 8 removed isshown in FIG. 9. At the upper rear portion of truck cap 2 adjacent toroof panel 26 are hinge ports 46 and 48, respectively. An illustrativeembodiment of the present disclosure includes a water management systemthat mitigates the risk of water entering seam 22 and migrating into capopening 15, thereby leaking into the truck bed. In this illustrativeembodiment, during construction of truck cap 2, the water management ismolded into the body. In this case, if water does seep into truck cap 2at seam 22, the water will be directed away from cap opening 15 andfollows a flow path to exit towards the bottom of truck cap 2. As shownin this view, at seam 22 there is an upper seal 50. This creates asealing means between the top portion of seam 22 and cap door 8.Additionally, there is a door seal 52 located about the periphery of thecap opening 15 of truck cap 2. This seal on truck cap 2 engages theinterior of cap door 8 in order to create a sealing means between thosetwo structures. As a contingency, however, around the periphery of doorseal 52 is a trough 54 that extends the width of truck cap 2.

Trough 54 is a channel-like feature that collects any water that rollsfrom roof panel 26 at seam 22 towards cap opening 15. This may occur ifcap door 8 is positioned upwardly in its open position. In thisillustrative embodiment, the upper shelf 56 is formed at the top end ofthe rear portion of truck cap 2. Upper shelf 56 includes a compoundcrown that will direct water towards its periphery and into trough 54.There the water can drain to outlets 58 or 60 at the periphery of trough54 towards the lower rear portion of truck cap 2.

A top perspective view of the rear portion of truck cap 2 is shown inFIG. 10. Here is depicted seam 22 of roof panel 26 with upper seal 50extending a portion there across. This view also shows hinge ports 46and 48. Cap door seal 52 is shown lining the periphery of cap opening15. Trough 54 lines door seal 52 as illustratively shown. If water, asshown by directional arrows 62 and 64, migrates past seam 22 and ontoupper shelf 56, the water is directed toward the sides of truck cap 2and into trough 54. Water on one side will be directed towards trough 54is indicated by directional arrows 62 and water on the other side ofroof panel 26 will be directed towards the side and flow into trough 54as indicated by directional arrows 64. In both cases, the water is thenpermitted to exit at outlets 58 and 60 located towards the bottom oftruck cap 2. With this water management, water can be substantiallyprevented from entering the truck bed through cap opening 15 if drainingfrom roof panel 26.

In the rear perspective view shown in FIG. 11, it is evident how roofpanel 26 of truck cap 2 is crowned so that water drains towards thesides as indicated by directional arrows 66 and 68. Likewise, uppershelf 56 is crowned so that water will drain into trough 54.

Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure includes ahinge system that pivots cap door 8 between opened and closed positions.The hinge design may incorporate gas props that assist in opening capdoor 8. The hinge design may include a first bracket that bolts to capdoor 8, and a second bracket that bolts to hinge ports 46 and 48 abovethe cap pillars adjacent to seam 22 (see FIG. 9). Door hinge 40 is shownin front and rear perspective views in FIGS. 12A and 12B. Hinge 40includes a first bracket member 102 and a second bracket member 104connected together via pivot pin 106. It is notable in this illustrativeembodiment that first bracket member 102 is not identically shaped orsymmetrical with second hinge bracket member 104. In particular, thelength of second hinge bracket member 104 from end 108 to pivot bracket110 is shorter than the length from pivot bracket 112 on first hingebracket member 102 up to its end 114. This is because either pivot pins116 or 118 on sidewalls 120 or 122, respectively, are configured topivotably receive one end of extending gas prop 128 (see, FIG. 13A)which is also pivotably attached to pin 124 on flange or side bracket126 located upwardly on first hinge bracket member 102.

Gas props are longitudinally moving air-powered arms that extend when aninitial force is applied to a movable structure. Such gas props arewidely used in the truck and automobile industries. Typically, however,such gas props are attached to a doorjamb at one end and a pivoting doorat the other end. In this instance, however, both ends of thelongitudinally extending gas prop are attached to opposing sides of ahinge itself. The difference in length between first hinge bracketmember 102 and second hinge bracket member 104 is based on thecharacteristics of the door that is intended to be opened. It isappreciated that such lengths may be varied depending on the needs for aparticular door. Illustratively, first hinge bracket member 102 mayattach to the inside of cap door 8 and second hinge bracket member 104may attach to the wall structure adjacent to seam 22. When cap door 8 isopened it pivots on pivot pin 106 at seam 22 while gas prop 128 assistsin movement.

Various perspective views of hinge 40 are shown in FIGS. 13A-13D and14A-14D. The side view of bracket 40 shown in FIG. 13A depicts a gasprop 128 attached to pin 124 on side bracket 126. Gas prop 128 is alsoattached onto sidewalls 120 and 122 of second hinge bracket member 104.Particularly, gas prop 128 pivotably attaches to pins 116 or 118. Thismeans gas prop 128 is pivotably attached to both first hinge bracketmember 102 and second hinge bracket member 104. First hinge bracketmember 102 is shown divided into a first angled portion 130 and a secondangled portion 132. A vertex 134 is positioned there between forming anobtuse angle between first angled portion 130 and second angled portion132. Pivot bracket 110 extending from first angled portion 130 receivespivot pin 106 in flanges 135 and 136 located adjacent to flanges 137 and138 of pivot bracket 110 of second hinge bracket member 104 (see, also,FIGS. 13B and 13D). Pivot pin 106 is also received in flanges 137 and138. As notably shown in FIGS. 13D and 14D pivot pin 106 forms an axisof rotation 144 about which first and second hinge bracket members 102and 104, respectively, pivot.

In the illustrative embodiment, and as shown in both FIGS. 13A and 14A,gas prop 128 remains generally parallel to the longitudinal extent offirst angled portion 130 as indicated by distance 139. It is furtherappreciated that in other embodiments, gas prop 128 may not necessarilybe parallel with a longitudinal extent of first angle portion 130 butmay maintain a substantially consistent distance also represented bydistance 139 despite hinge 40 being located in either an open or closedposition. This allows a variety of hinge bracket member configurationsto swing a cap door between open and closed positions by only linearlyextending or retracting gas prop 128 on hinge 40 (compare FIGS. 13A and14A).

The additional views in FIGS. 13B, 13C, 14B and 14C illustrate howlinear extension and retraction of gas prop 128 attached to each side ofhinge 40 pivots same between its closed position (see, also, FIG. 13A)and its open position (see, also, FIG. 14A). It is appreciated thatbores 140 disposed through second hinge bracket member 104 areconfigured to receive fasteners to attach second hinge bracket member104 to the cap whereas bores 141 of second angled portion 132 of firsthinge bracket member 102 are configured to receive other fasteners toattach first hinge bracket member 102 to cap door 8 (see FIGS. 13B, 13C,13D, 14B, 14C, and 14C). It is further appreciated that hinge 42 mayillustratively be identical or a mirror image version of hinge 40.

Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure provides aceiling-mounted audio/video system. In the illustrative embodimentsthere are no fasteners penetrating through the cap roof. Laminationplates are formed onto the substrate of the cap ceiling that may attachto the systems. It is contemplated that a video monitor mount may bemotorized to extend or retract same between use and stowed positions. Itis further contemplated that additional devices may connect to the videomonitor, such as cable TV lines, antennas, and other likeinputs/outputs. Anything a home entertainment system can attach to maybe attached to the video monitor. These attachments may also be madewithout any visible hardware such as fasteners attached to theaudio/video mounting system from outside of the tuck cap.

A perspective view of truck cap 2 with door 8 located in the openposition and a video display 252 lowered to a use position within cap 2is shown in FIG. 15. Illustratively, it is contemplated that videodisplay 252 may be moved between a stowed position and a use position.As shown here, video display 252 occupies at least a portion of capopening 15 between pillars 10 and 12 and under either or both roof panel26 and/or spoiler section 14. This allows viewing of video display 252outside of the truck cap 2.

A rear view of truck cap 2 with door 8 raised to its open position withvideo display 252 lowered to its use position at cap opening 15 is shownin FIG. 16. With door 8 raised, video display 252 may be viewed fromoutside of truck cap 2 while being supported from ceiling 268 via videoscreen mount assembly 254. If video display 252 is not desired to beused, it can be lifted and slid upwardly underneath ceiling 268remaining out of the way allowing more use of the interior of truck cap2 (see, also, FIGS. 8 and 19). Having the versatility of stowing videodisplay 252 at the ceiling area of truck cap 2 (see, also, FIG. 19) mostof the space available within the truck bed and cap may still be usedwithout interference from video display 252.

A side view of truck cap 2 with door 8 located at its upward openposition is shown in FIG. 17. In this view, through cap window 32 onsidewall 4 a portion of video screen mount assembly 254 is visible,including telescoping sliders 256 and 258 supporting pivot mountbrackets 260 and 261 (see, also, FIG. 22). A screen mounting bracket 262may be located behind video display 252 for supporting same. As shownherein, telescoping sliders 256 and 258 may extend at a downward,illustratively, acute angle from roof panel 26. Video display 252supported by screen mounting bracket 262 may then be positionedvertically to allow access and viewing. In this illustrative embodiment,the downward angle of telescoping sliders 256 and 258 allow the top ofvideo display 252 to not be obscured by door 8 (see, also, FIG. 16). Itwill be appreciated by the skilled artisan upon reading this disclosurethat the downward slope of the components of video screen mount assembly254 may vary as needed to create a desired viewing position of videodisplay 252 with respect to other structures within cap 2.

An underside perspective view of truck cap 2 with video screen mountassembly 254 extending video display 252 to its lowered use position isshown in FIG. 18. A rafter array 264 is attached to plates 266 which areattached to ceiling 268 of roof panel 26. Fasteners attach rafter array264 to plate 266 to hold video screen mount assembly 254 in place. In anillustrative embodiment, jack nuts may be inserted into plates 266 whichare attached to ceiling 268 during manufacture of truck cap 2. Theresult is threaded bores located at ceiling 268 can receive fasteners tosecure rafter array 264 to ceiling 268. As such, no fasteners extendthrough roof panel 26. A tray 270 is movable with pivot mount brackets260 and 261 (see FIG. 22) to provide a support surface for video display252 when stowed adjacent to rafter array 264. It is appreciated thattray 270 may be retractable on telescoping sliders 256 and 258 to extendand retract between use and stowed positions. Tray 270 is located in itsextended position so that video display 252 may be pulled there from,and pivoted downward to the use position, as shown.

Another underside perspective view of truck cap 2 with door 8 upwardlyextended in its open position and including video screen mount assembly254 is shown in FIG. 19. As shown herein, tray 270 with video display252 supported thereon is now retracted adjacent to rafter array 264 to astowed position. It can be appreciated from this view how video display252, lifted up adjacent to ceiling 268 of truck cap 2, keeps videodisplay 252 out-of-the-way allowing space inside the truck bed and capto be utilized for other purposes. It is further appreciated that screenmounting bracket 262 attached to the back of video display 252 includesa latch that may be selectively released from tray 270 such that it maybe pulled at an angle moving video display 252 on tray 270 towards capopening 15 and the use position. This movement may be accomplishedeither manually or mechanically.

Also shown in this view is an illustrative audio system 274 that may beused in conjunction with or independently of video display 252. It isappreciated that audio system 274 may be attached to plate 266 similarto that of video screen mount assembly 254. In particular, audio system274 may be attached such that there are no bolts, screws or otherfastening structures extending up through ceiling 268 and roof panel 26.Again, jack nuts may be used in plates 266 to receive other bolts orfasteners to attach audio system 274 to ceiling 268.

A partially exploded view of truck cap 2 with door 8 located in itsupward open position and with video screen mount assembly 254 separatedthere from, is shown in FIG. 20. In this case, video screen mountassembly 254 includes video display 252 retracted with screen mountingbracket 262 and tray 270 located in their stowed position adjacent torafter array 264. A plurality of plates 266 are shown attached toceiling 268 inside truck cap 2 opposite roof panel 26. It is appreciatedthat such plates 266 may be laminations that are fixed in place duringthe molding process of truck cap 2. Plates 266 may be arranged in anyfashion to allow embedded jack nuts or other threaded or tactical boresto attach to structures such as audio system 274 and/or video screenmount assembly 254. By providing plates 266 into the molded structure ofceiling 268, any myriad of devices, may be attached thereto withoutresorting to drilling through the entire thickness of roof panel 26.Here, the locations of plates 266 are arranged so as to fasten to rafterarray 264 in order to secure video screen mount assembly 254 to ceiling268 of truck cap 2.

During manufacture of truck cap 2, plates 266 may be installed at thetime the fiberglass structure of truck cap 2 is formed. Plates 266 siton top of an illustrative tri-cell core (i.e., honeycomb-type structure)substrate. When a pilot hole for the jack nut is drilled, the drillmakes its way into the core which provides sufficient clearance underroof panel 26. When the jack nut is inserted, it passes through aheadliner, ceiling 268, plate 266, and into the core. When the jack nutis collapsed, its wings rest on plate 266. The fastener (i.e., bolt orscrew) is then used to secure the audio/video components to plate 266.The fasteners are long enough to pass through the plate 266, headliner,etc., engage the jack nut, and occupy a portion of the void in the core,but short enough not to engage roof panel 26.

Another underside perspective view of truck cap 2 with door 8 raised toits upward open position is shown in FIG. 21. In this view, video screenmount assembly 254 is attached to various plates 266 on ceiling 268.Audio system 274, however, is shown separated from truck cap 2 so as toreveal additional plates 266 positioned towards the rear of ceiling 268.These plates provide the fastening substrate for audio system 274.Again, audio system 274, like video screen mount assembly 254, may befastened to jack nuts embedded in plates 266 of ceiling 268 withoutthose fasteners extending through roof panel 26 of truck cap 2.

An isolated perspective view of video screen mount assembly 254 is shownin FIG. 22. In this view, video screen mount assembly 254 is configuredin its use position. Screen mounting bracket 262 is pulled from tray 270and pivoted downward. It is appreciated that mount holes 276 are placedin strategic locations to attach a video display to screen mountingbracket 262. A cut-out 278 in screen mounting bracket 262 offers accessto various inputs and outputs that may be employed with any particulartype of video display. Latch 272 releases screen mounting bracket 262from tray 270 to move same to the use position. Pivot pins 280 and 282are disposed through both bracket sides 284 and 286 of screen mountingbracket 262, respectively. Pivot pins 280 and 282 are also disposedthrough slots 288 and 290, respectively, of pivot mount brackets 260 and261 of tray 270. As such, screen mounting bracket 262 may be pivoted indirection 291 to lift it and video display 252 level with tray 270 andthen pushed in direction 292 to slide pivot pins 280 and 282 withinslots 288 and 290, respectively, to place screen mounting bracket 262,along with video display 252 onto tray 270. After that, tray 270 mayeither be manually or mechanically moved in direction 292 as welltowards the stowed position.

Also shown in FIG. 22, is motor assembly 294 that actuates a gear box torotate a longitudinally extending worm gear 296 that extends from motorassembly 294 and attaches to rafter array 264. Worm gear 296 engagestray 270 to retract and extend it in directions 292 or 293. In theillustrative embodiment, rafter array 264 includes side brackets 295that support telescoping slides 256 and 258. A plurality of attachmentpanels 297 provide an attaching structure to fasten onto plates 266 inceiling 268. Various crossbeams 298 may be employed between sidebrackets 295 for purposes of adding structural stability as well. Rafterarray 264 may also be an attaching structure for other components.Illustratively, a remote control 299 may be attached to truck cap 2 toactuate motor assembly 294 via wirelessly or wired connection.

Another perspective view of video screen mount assembly 254 is shown inFIG. 23. This view depicts video screen mount assembly 254 in its stowedposition. As such, pivot mounts 260 and 261 are recessed back towardrafter array 264, either manually or via motor assembly 294. Pivot pins280 and 282 have been moved in direction 292 so screen mounting bracket262 is supported on tray 270 for keeping video display on tray 270 whenin a stowed condition. Latch 272 a spring-loaded lever that rotates toone side allowing the lever to clear a pin. Once this is cleared, screenmounting bracket 262 may slide further forward to its final location andthen rotate down to the viewing position. It is further contemplated inthe illustrative embodiments that power and audio/video cables (notshown) may be housed in a flexible track or like conduit. The flexibletrack or conduit is bendable between inputs on video display 252/audiosystem 274 and a power source or other audio/video connectors on the capor truck when tray 270 is moved in either directions 292 or 293.

A perspective exploded view of audio system 274 is shown in FIG. 24. Abracket member 306 is configured with various attachment flanges such asattachment flanges 303 in order to fasten onto plates 266 (see, also,FIG. 21). Various components of audio system 274, such as audio player300, audio processor 302 (with a subwoofer), and speakers 301 may beattached to bracket 306 and/or supported by audio cowl 304. In thisembodiment, audio cowl 304 itself attaches to bracket 306. It isappreciated that audio system 274 may be electrically connected to videodisplay 252 in order to produce sound for same. Nonetheless, for bothvideo screen mount assembly to 254 and audio system 274, both may beattached to various plates 266, for purposes of securing thosestructures to ceiling 268, but without requiring the fasteners to extendall the way through roof panel 26 in order to support those or otherstructures.

In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown inspecific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should beappreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not berequired. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged ina different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures.Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in aparticular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required inall embodiments and, in some embodiments, may not be included or may becombined with other features. It should also be appreciated that, to theextent any subject matter disclosed in this non-provisional patentdocument conflicts with the priority application, the disclosure fromthis non-provisional patent document controls.

What is claimed:
 1. A truck cap that sits on opposing sidewalls and overthe top of a cargo box of a pickup truck, wherein the truck capcomprises: a cap body having an opening; a cap door that is movablebetween open and closed positions with respect to the opening of the capbody; at least one truck cap door hinge that attaches to the cap bodyand the cap door of the truck cap; wherein the at least one truck capdoor hinge includes: a first hinge bracket member and a second hingebracket member; wherein the first hinge bracket member is bent at anobtuse angle to form first and second angled portions separated by avertex there between; wherein the first angled portion of the firsthinge bracket member includes a hinge bracket located at a positionopposite the vertex; at least one pivot pin; wherein the hinge bracketof the first angled portion includes at least one opening sized toreceive at least a portion of the at least one pivot pin; wherein thesecond angled portion of the first hinge bracket member includes aflange that extends substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis ofthe at least one pivot pin; wherein the flange of the second angledportion includes a pin extending therefrom; wherein the second hingebracket member includes spaced apart first and second sidewalls each ofwhich extends substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of theat least one pivot pin; wherein the second hinge bracket member includesa first pin located on the first sidewall of the second hinge bracketmember and directed toward the second sidewall of the second hingebracket member; wherein the second hinge bracket member includes asecond pin located on the second sidewall of the second hinge bracketmember and directed toward the first sidewall of the second hingebracket member; wherein the second hinge bracket member includes a hingebracket located adjacent to an end of the second hinge bracket member;wherein the hinge bracket of the second hinge bracket member includes atleast one opening sized to receive at least a portion of the at leastone pivot pin; wherein at least a portion of the hinge bracket of thefirst hinge bracket member is located adjacent to at least a portion ofthe hinge bracket of the second hinge bracket member such that the firsthinge bracket member and the second hinge bracket member are pivotablewith respect to each other about the at least one pivot pin; and alongitudinally extending gas prop pivotably attached to the first andsecond pins of the second hinge bracket member and pivotably attached tothe pin on the flange of the second angled portion of the first hingebracket member; wherein the longitudinally extending gas prop isextendable approximately parallel to at least a portion of the firstangled portion of the first hinge bracket member.
 2. A truck cap thatsits on opposing sidewalls and over top of a cargo box of a pickuptruck, wherein the truck cap comprises: a cap body having an opening; acap door that is movable between open and closed positions with respectto the opening of the cap body; at least one truck cap door hinge thatattaches to the cap body and the cap door of the truck cap; wherein theat least one truck cap door hinge includes: a first hinge bracket memberand a second hinge bracket member; wherein the first hinge bracketmember is bent at an obtuse angle to form first and second angledportions separated by a vertex there between; wherein the first angledportion of the first hinge bracket member includes a hinge bracket; atleast one pivot pin; wherein the hinge bracket of the first angledportion includes at least one opening sized to receive at least aportion of the at least one pivot pin; wherein the first hinge bracketmember includes a pin extending from the second angled portion; whereinthe second hinge bracket member includes at least one pin; wherein thesecond hinge bracket member includes a hinge bracket; wherein the hingebracket of the second hinge bracket member includes at least one openingsized to receive at least a portion of the at least one pivot pin;wherein the first hinge bracket member and the second hinge bracketmember are pivotable with respect to each other about the at least onepivot pin; and a longitudinally extending gas prop pivotably attached tothe pin extending from the second angled portion of the first hingebracket member and to the at least one pin of the second hinge bracketmember.
 3. The truck cap of claim 2, wherein the at least one truck capdoor hinge further including the hinge bracket of the first angledportion of the first hinge bracket member is located at a positionopposite the vertex.
 4. The truck cap of claim 2, wherein the at leastone truck cap door hinge further including the second angled portion ofthe first hinge bracket member includes a flange that extendssubstantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the at least onepivot pin.
 5. The truck cap of claim 4, wherein the at least one truckcap door hinge further including the pin extends from the flange of thesecond angled portion.
 6. The truck cap of claim 2, wherein the at leastone truck cap door hinge further including the second hinge bracketmember has spaced apart first and second sidewalls each of which extendssubstantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the at least onepivot pin.
 7. The truck cap of claim 6, wherein the at least one truckcap door hinge further including the at least one pin of the secondhinge bracket member is located on the first sidewall of the secondhinge bracket member and directed toward the second sidewall of thesecond hinge bracket member.
 8. The truck cap of claim 7, wherein the atleast one truck cap door hinge further including the second hingebracket member having a second pin located on the second sidewall of thesecond hinge bracket member and directed toward the first sidewall ofthe second hinge bracket member.
 9. The truck cap of claim 8, whereinthe at least one truck cap door hinge further including the hingebracket of the second hinge bracket member is located adjacent to an endof the second hinge bracket member.
 10. The truck cap of claim 2,wherein the at least one truck cap door hinge further including at leasta portion of the hinge bracket of the first hinge bracket member islocated adjacent to at least a portion of the hinge bracket of thesecond hinge bracket member.
 11. The truck cap of claim 9, wherein theat least one truck cap door hinge further including the longitudinallyextending gas prop is pivotably attached to the at least one pin and thesecond pin of the second hinge bracket member and pivotably attached tothe pin that extends from the flange of the second angled portion of thefirst hinge bracket member.
 12. The truck cap of claim 2, wherein the atleast one truck cap door hinge further including the longitudinallyextending gas prop is extendable approximately parallel to at least aportion of the first angled portion of the first hinge bracket member.13. A truck cap that sits on opposing sidewalls and over top of a cargobox of a pickup truck, wherein the truck cap comprises: a cap bodyhaving an opening; a cap door that is movable between open and closedpositions with respect to the opening of the cap body; at least onetruck cap door hinge that attaches to the cap body and the cap door ofthe truck cap; wherein the at least one truck cap door hinge includes: afirst hinge bracket member and a second hinge bracket member; whereinthe first hinge bracket member includes a hinge bracket; at least onepivot pin; wherein the hinge bracket of the first hinge bracket memberincludes at least one opening sized to receive at least a portion of theat least one pivot pin; wherein the first hinge bracket member includesa pin extending there from; wherein the second hinge bracket memberincludes at least one pin; wherein the second hinge bracket memberincludes a hinge bracket; wherein the hinge bracket of the second hingebracket member includes at least one opening sized to receive at least aportion of the at least one pivot pin; wherein the first hinge bracketmember and the second hinge bracket member are pivotable with respect toeach other about the at least one pivot pin; and a longitudinallyextending gas prop pivotably attached to the pin extending from thesecond angled portion of the first hinge bracket member and to the atleast one pin of the second hinge bracket member.
 14. The truck cap ofclaim 13, wherein the at least one truck cap door hinge furtherincluding the first hinge bracket member is bent at an obtuse angle toform first and second angled portions separated by a vertex therebetween.
 15. The truck cap of claim 14, wherein the at least one truckcap door hinge further including the hinge bracket is located on thefirst angled portion of the first hinge bracket member.
 16. The truckcap of claim 15, wherein the at least one truck cap door hinge furtherincluding the hinge bracket of the first angled portion of the firsthinge bracket member is located at a position opposite the vertex. 17.The truck cap of claim 16, wherein the at least one truck cap door hingefurther including the hinge bracket of the first angled portion includesthe at least one opening is sized to receive the at least the portion ofthe at least one pivot pin.
 18. The truck cap of claim 14, wherein theat least one truck cap door hinge further including the first hingebracket member includes the pin extending from the second angledportion.
 19. The truck cap of claim 14, wherein the at least one truckcap door hinge further including the longitudinally extending gas propis extendable approximately parallel to at least a portion of the firstangled portion of the first hinge bracket member.